Blacksburg, VA – The quiet hills of southwest Virginia glisten under a thin layer of ice this morning, a deceptive shine masking slick pavement beneath. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until noon, with freezing rain, sleet, and light snow making travel hazardous from Blacksburg to Roanoke and across the New River Valley.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg warns that even minor ice accumulation — less than a tenth of an inch — can turn roads, sidewalks, and bridges dangerously slick. Motorists should slow down and use extra caution, especially on shaded backroads and higher elevations where icy patches tend to linger.
Temperatures hover near 32°F, enough for freezing rain to glaze exposed surfaces through late morning before conditions slowly improve. Visibility may also drop briefly in mixed precipitation bands. Residents are urged to delay unnecessary travel and allow time for road treatments to take effect.
Meteorologists are also monitoring a second round of winter weather expected Tuesday, bringing another wintry mix of snow and freezing rain that could disrupt early December travel again.
Five-Day Outlook:
- Sunday: Chance of rain/snow mix early, high 40°F.
- Monday: Mostly sunny, high 42°F.
- Monday Night: Rain/freezing rain develops, low 29°F.
- Tuesday: Wintry mix, high 40°F.
- Wednesday: Sunny, high 42°F.
While today’s icing will fade by afternoon, cold air lingers — a reminder that winter has officially arrived in Virginia.
